The International Migration Research Centre (IMRC)is a research centre serving as a focal point for debate, research, policy analysis, and proposal development related to international migration at the global, national and regional scale. The IMRC fosters research in new policy development and alternative models and practices of managing temporary, circular and permanent forms of international migration. Our research is relevant to practice and policymaking in the areas of international governance, mobilities, critical border issues, diaspora and development, labour relations, transnationalism and human security.

Our mission is to develop and sponsor research linkages and activities with scholars, and share and discuss the implications of this research with nongovernmental and governmental actors and representatives from across Canada and around the world. We are building a network of scholars, community representatives and policy-makers in order to foster relevant and innovative research and partnerships – so, affiliate with the IMRC and connect!

IMRC Organizational Structure

The research centre structure involves a Director, an Associate Director, Executive Committee and a Board of Directors drawn from our Research Associates, Research Affiliates, Community/Institutional Affiliates and Student Affiliates. Research associates/affiliates requests are to be submitted to the executive committee (via email or hard copy), and new members will be determined by a majority vote. To become an IMRC Research Associate or Affiliate, submit the application form with a recent CV demonstrating research interests in the field of international migration. Community/Institutional Affiliates are asked to contact the Director or Associate Director directly prior to submitting the form, since in some cases it will not be required. Students are asked to submit the form, and undergo an interview with the Director or Associate Director.

Research Associates are typically faculty members from Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo and/or the Balsillie Scohool of International Affairs who are interested in participating in IMRC events and research initiatives. IMRC Research Associates may: utilize the IMRC’s research space, conference/meeting area, and visiting scholar offices; participate free of charge in centre events; contribute papers to the online working paper series and other IMRC publications; administer grants or contracts through the IMRC; draw on IMRC research assistants and administrative support when available for research or events hosted by the IMRC; be eligible to apply for financial support or research assistantships when available; advertise events and circulate information through the IMRC website; be sent regular updates on centre events and research, internal and external funding opportunities, conference announcements, calls for papers, and new publication releases related to international migration; participate in yearly workshops and sessions organized by the IMRC at WLU, at National and International Metropolis Conferences, and other venues; utilize the IMRC reference library, migration research and teaching resources (e.g. the IOM/FOCAL Online Migration Mapping Project, and journal subscriptions); help initiate new proposals and research perspectives and help to develop the ongoing network collaborations between academic and community members. IMRC Associates may be considered for positions on the executive committee, or for the positions of Director and Associate Director. Research Associates must have a demonstrated research interest related to international migration.

Research Affiliates include faculty and researchers (e.g. PhD students, lecturers, independent scholars) from across Canada, as well as international scholars with an interest in international migration research. IMRC Research Affiliates will be sent regular updates on centre events and research, funding opportunities for faculty and students, conference announcements and calls for papers, and new publication releases related to international migration. Affiliates may contribute papers to the online working paper series and other IMRC publications, and may participate in centre events, workshops and conferences.

Our Partners and Networksinclude community members, policy makers, non-governmental and governmental representatives and other organizations who are involved in work related to immigrants or migration more broadly. These affiliated individuals and groups will be sent regular updates on centre events and research, and new publication releases related to international migration.

Student Affiliates are graduate students from any faculty, department or campus who have an interest related to international migration. Students wishing to be affiliated with the centre are asked to submit this form to either the Director or Associate Director. Students will be able to take part in the centre’s events, utilize research resources, and apply for funding, scholarships and research assistantships.